The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by adding 3,501 MW of new solar module capacity. The cumulative module manufacturing capacity now stands at 37,421 MW.

Tata Power Solar accounts for 2,525 MW of the newly added capacity, while Goldi Solar contributes 976 MW.

With the latest addition, the ALMM now has 81 module manufacturers.

Even after the latest update, the ALMM has no foreign manufacturers.

MNRE has introduced significant changes to the ALMM by adding another module technology and the minimum efficiency requirements. The listed efficiencies are a mandatory benchmark for modules to be used in government projects.

The reforms include enlisting cadmium telluride thin film-based models in addition to the existing crystalline-silicon models from manufacturers that adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards norms and meet specific minimum module efficiency criteria. The minimum efficiency listed for cadmium telluride thin film-based modules is as follows:

• Category I (grid-scale power projects): minimum module efficiency of 19%
• Category II (rooftop and solar pumping): minimum module efficiency of 18.5%
• Category III (solar lighting): minimum module efficiency of 18%

As of March 22, 2024, only models of solar modules with efficiency equal to or greater than 18% have been considered for enlistment under ALMM List-1.

Credence Solar Panels has been granted provisional approval for 670W, 610W, 570W, 560W, and 530W Bifacial Mono c-Si PERC solar modules. The 670W modules surpass the current highest enlisted module capacity of 650W.

Provisional ALMM enlistment is granted within seven days of BIS certification, and a time limit of two months will be provided for factory inspection and final enlistment, failing which the provisional enlistment will be deemed the final enlistment.

The ALMM order has been kept in abeyance for one financial year, i.e., FY 2023-24. Projects commissioned by March 31, 2024, are exempt from the requirement to procure solar modules from ALMM.

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